Investigations in Transportation

The Investigations in Transportation program is an elementary school partnership and curriculum development project that will engage science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) professionals in school-based activities and projects that will bring real-world applications to elementary classrooms for grades 3-5. The Portland Metro STEM Partnership (PMSP) is providing leadership and facilitation to a team of educators from Portland State University, Beaverton School District and Hillsboro School District who will work with volunteers from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to design, develop, implement and assess the impact of an in-class unit entitled "Investigations in Transportation". This unit will engage students…

The Investigations in Transportation program is an elementary school partnership and curriculum development project that will engage science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) professionals in school-based activities and projects that will bring real-world applications to elementary classrooms for grades 3-5. The Portland Metro STEM Partnership (PMSP) is providing leadership and facilitation to a team of educators from Portland State University, Beaverton School District and Hillsboro School District who will work with volunteers from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to design, develop, implement and assess the impact of an in-class unit entitled “Investigations in Transportation”.

This unit will engage students in explorations in which they will apply science inquiry, engineering design and mathematical practices to transportation-related topics that support the National Institute for Transportation and Community (NITC) goals of promoting livability, safety, and environmental sustainability. STEM Professionals from ODOT and other transportation stakeholders (e.g. METRO, Portland Bureau of Transportation, Intertwine, Portland Bicycle Alliance, etc.) will work with elementary educators to assemble a unit that directly addresses the science inquiry and engineering design outcomes from the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the mathematics practices from the Common Core State Standards that pertain to NITC’s stated focus. Students will conduct investigations on topics such as handicapped access, alternative transportation options, bicycle safety, design and use of pedestrian byways and roadside beautification and maintenance.